The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that a shooting incident which occurred at a Base Ammunition Depot at Michel Camp on Saturday morning and resulted in the death of a soldier was accidental.
“Preliminary investigative report indicates the soldier was seen sitting on his bed, waiting to relieve his colleague at a duty post at 0800 hours when his rifle went off hitting him under his chin; killing him instantly,” a press statement dated August 19, 2023, issued on Saturday night said.
The Director General of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General E Aggrey-Quashie signed the statement.
The body of the deceased soldier has since been conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.
He has been identified as Private Bayou Roger
Attached below is a copy of the statement
SUSPECTED ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING AT BASE AMMUNITION DEPOT
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regrets to announce the death of a soldier from the 5 Infantry Battalion, Private (Pte) Bayou Roger, as a result of a suspected accidental discharge.
Pte Bayou, was part of a platoon from Southern Command performing duties at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) near Michel Camp.
The sad incident occurred on Saturday, 19 August 2023 at about 0750 hours at BAD.
The preliminary investigative report indicates the soldier was seen sitting on his bed, waiting to relieve his colleague at a duty post at 0800 hours when his rifle went off hitting him under his chin; killing him instantly.
The body of the deceased soldier has since been conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.
A team from the Homicide Unit of Ghana Police (GBETSELE Police Station) is collaborating with the Military Police to investigate the fatal incident.
GAF takes this opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier.